Project Purpose

The I-65 / US 31 Mobility Matters Project will perform an Alternative Analysis of the I-65 / US 31 Corridor in Metropolitan Birmingham.  It is the vital instrument that will be used to bridge the gap between the MAGIC 65 Study, which was completed in 2007, and the preliminary design of improvements along the I-65 / US 31 corridor in metropolitan Birmingham.

The purpose of the I-65 / US 31 Mobility Matters Project in Metropolitan Birmingham study is to provide information for local decision makers to help them select a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) concerning roadway and transit improvements in the I-65 / US 31 corridor.  The study will also provide information for FTA and FHWA decision making on whether to participate in subsequent project development, and it will complete the technical analysis needed to satisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The I-65 / US 31 Mobility Matters Project will evaluate several modal and alignment options for addressing mobility needs in the study area.  It is intended to provide information to local officials on the benefits, costs, impacts, and effectiveness of alternative transportation investments which, at a minimum, will include High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and express bus.  Potential local funding sources for implementing and operating the investment are to be identified and studied, and information is to be developed in response to the FTA New Starts project evaluation criteria.  At its core, an effective alternatives analysis answers six basic questions:

1. What are the mobility problems in a corridor?
2. What are their underlying causes?
3. What are viable options for addressing these problems?
4. What are their costs?
5. What are their benefits?
6. What are the trade-offs among these options?